5:45 am - I
don’t think I’ll ever get used to this jet lag but I actually don’t mind one
bit. It’s 5:45 am and I’m sitting out on our dorm floor’s balcony, soaking up
every sight, touch and smell around me. I am covered in bug bites, my hands are
swollen from the heat, my hair and face feel dirty from the humidity and I have
never felt more blessed than I do right now. Being here really changes your
perception on things and alters the way you think. I actually laughed to myself
and feel completely ashamed as to why only a couple days ago, I was stressing
over the most ridiculous, insignificant things. Absolutely NOTHING, nothing,
nothing matters than the here and now. Maybe it will never fully hit me how
mind blowing this opportunity is but in this very moment, you really begin to
understand how small you are in the grand scheme – never have I wanted to see,
do and experience more of the unknown.
It’s only been 4 days and I am so hungry for more.
Although
we arrived at CCSC (Concord College of Sino Canada) two days ago, yesterday was
the first day of our very first conference. I must have some really messed up
case of jet lag – I barely sleep and am completely fine with it. This campus is
amazing and the school’s hospitality is beyond anything than I’ve ever
experienced from an outsider in a foreign country. CCSC is essentially a high
school boarding school so students and teachers live in dorms right on campus…
not complaining at all. Waterfalls, palm trees and cozy patio hang out spots?
Sorry Laurier, CCSC wins this one ;). Upon arrival, we each received our own
bedroom, fully stocked with toiletries and a fridge full of iced cold water.
Despite our age, we are considered ‘teachers’ and was even given our own
office!
35*
students from all over China arrived yesterday morning and each of us have our
own group of students. Yesterday was a long day but would never have asked for
anything different! The day consisted of a couple hours of icebreakers, quick
intro lecture to general business, intro to the student’s Pepsi/Coke case and a
LIBC-esque dance off (videos to come ;)). Not going to lie, I underestimated
how difficult the language barrier would be and this has probably been the
greatest challenge thus far. It’s interesting to come across roadblocks in
explaining to the students basic theory or concepts that you are so accustomed
to at home… I wish I videotaped myself trying to explain the word CREATIVITY to
the students, realizing that ‘out of the box’ is out of the question.
Nonetheless, the prospect of teaching for the next 3 weeks is exciting and any
challenges will make the whole experience that much more rewarding.
Most
of our days will end pretty late and the conference finished at 8:30ish last
night. Obviously, the first thing was to pick up some alcohol and foreign
snacks… let’s not forget who is in my group LOL. EVERYTHING. HERE. IS. SO.
CHEAP. Pretty sure I picked up 10 different snacks and a 6-pack for $11 CAD.
It’s only been a couple days yet I can already feel myself missing this
plethora of food and beverage options… #foodieproblems. Since it was Canada Day
yesterday.. or.. today… (too much to energy to figure out this time thing right
now) we wanted to do a late night porch hangout. (Okay, who are we kidding, we
will do this every night). Such a good night and met some awesome people! We
ran into another Canadian group from the East Coast who were also having a
nighttime rendevouz. Amazing friends, couple beers and an acoustic guitar –
life is kind of good right now. Time to get ready for day 2. Lots of love to all my friends and family
back home! X
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